1. Proper Titling, and Proclamation.
For a will to be valid, the will must state that this is your final living will and testament. You must also state your full name and address.
2. Appoint your executor
You will need to appoint an executor to settle your estate. This is the person who will take care of your property and make sure everything is handled according to your wishes. You must also list their full name and address. You should also list a successor or alternate executor in case something happens to the first person or they choose not to serve.
3. Specify the powers of the executor and distribute assets.
For example:
"I want my executor to:
Pay my debts- This is required by law, no matter what the will says."
Give special gifts- If you want to give someone a gift, like a car or a watch, list their name and what they are getting.
4. Residual Clause
The residual clause is the distribution of what is leftover in the estate after the debts are paid and gifts are given. The people who will share in the residue of your estate are listed in this clause.
This clause is important to make sure that everything is included in your Will, including things you may receive after you write your Will. Usually, Wills only deal with the residue and it is divided into equal shares.
for example: "I want my wife, Jane Doe, to have the leftover of my estate."
5. Sign The Will
Once your will is finalized, you need to date, initial, and sign the will. It is also good practice to number the pages of your will.
You will need two witnesses to watch you sign the will. The witnesses should not be people who get any money or assets from the will, and they can't be the spouse of someone who gets an inheritance. The two of you must be in the same room at the same time when you each sign and date the will.
As of March 2021, people are allowed to have their wills commissioned and witnessed using audio-visual technology. This means that they can be in the same room or use technology like Skype, Zoom, Webex, or FaceTime to be in different locations.